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Alum Jeff Yordon rings NASDAQ closing bell

June 8, 2011

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which Yordon founded in 2006, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, sourcing and marketing pharmaceutical products, with a specific emphasis on injectable products.

NIU alum Jeff Yordon (center), his wife, Kimberly (right), and colleagues wave after the Sagent Pharmeceuticals, Inc., CEO rang the closing bell at NASDAQ MarketSite. Photo from www.nasdaq.com.

NIU alum Jeff Yordon (center), his wife, Kimberly (right), and colleagues wave after the Sagent Pharmeceuticals, Inc., CEO rang the closing bell at NASDAQ MarketSite. Photo from www.nasdaq.com.

Sagent operates a global network of resources, comprised of rapid development capabilities, sophisticated manufacturing and innovative drug-delivery technologies, which quickly yields an extensive portfolio of pharmaceutical products that fulfills the evolving needs of patients.

Yordon, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1970, has had an extraordinarily successful career in the pharmaceutical business over the past four decades and is recognized internationally for his knowledge and experience.

Under his leadership, Sagent has created a unique, global network of resources, comprising an advanced development network of more than 30 partners, an unparalleled breadth and depth in product manufacturing with more than 60 facilities and access to advanced scientific resources with more than 2,500 R&D employees worldwide.

The company currently has more than 200 products in development.

Before founding Sagent, Yordon held senior level executive positions with a wide variety of pharmaceutical companies including American Pharmaceutical Partners, where he was president and chief operating officer.

A former Huskie football letterwinner and NIU alumnus, Yordon rekindled his love for his alma mater and his connection with the football program after attending the Bowling Green game in 2002. Since that time, he and Kimberly have been avid supporters of NIU and its athletic program.

Their original leadership gift in 2005 to the Academic and Athletic Performance Center helped construction break ground. In November of 2006, they significantly increased that gift; their $2.5 million gift named the newest addition to the Huskie athletics footprint.

Opened in August of 2007, the state-of-the-art Jeffrey and Kimberly Yordon Center benefits all student-athletes and programs.

The 62,000-square-foot Yordon Center provides Huskie student-athletes with facilities in which to develop their minds, bodies and spirits as they work toward achieving academic and athletic success. It is a cornerstone facility in Northern Illinois’ goal to provide each and every student-athlete with a “world-class” experience while wearing the Huskie uniform.

Yordon is an active member of the NIU Foundation board and NIU Executive Club board in addition to being an alumni adviser to Intercollegiate Athletics.

He received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007. In 2009, he was named one of the 50 recipients of the Golden Anniversary Alumni Award from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.